Woo Sangho, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs to the President, stated that the decision on whether to appoint ministerial nominees would be made after observing their confirmation hearings and considering public opinion. Regarding President Lee Jaemyung’s appointment of Cho Woncheol, known as the 'Daejang-dong attorney,' as the head of the Ministry of Government Legislation, he questioned, "Should everyone who has served as the President’s attorney be excluded from public office for that reason?"
On the morning of July 14, during an appearance on MBC Radio’s ‘Kim Jongbae’s Focus,’ Woo responded to criticism from the opposition party suggesting the appointments were for judicial protection or as rewards. He said, "There are so many people who have been part of the President’s legal team," and explained that it is "not appropriate" to exclude everyone involved in the President’s legal defense from public office solely for that reason.
Woo emphasized, "If someone has sufficient ability and qualifications, and if those qualities were prioritized in their selection, then there is no major issue," adding, "(Cho, the head of the Ministry of Government Legislation) is widely regarded as highly competent within the legal community." He further explained, "I understand that (Cho) was selected because his abilities were recognized and he was considered the right person for the job."
Regarding the first-term cabinet ministerial nominees, Woo stated that the final decision on their appointments would be made after observing their confirmation hearings and considering public opinion. Woo currently serves as the head of the confirmation hearing task force within the presidential office. At present, he is responsible for reviewing and responding to allegations raised against the ministerial nominees.
Woo explained, "The presidential office’s position is to observe the confirmation hearings," and added, "After the hearings, we plan to comprehensively review public opinion." He continued, "In the vetting process, the standards for public official appointments used in the past have generally been applied comprehensively. Even though these individuals have passed the vetting process, unforeseen issues may arise. That is why we need to continue monitoring the situation."
Woo also added, "In some cases, there are individuals whose actions did not meet public expectations, and we are comparing their situations with those of previous nominees who withdrew, to assess the level of concern."
Regarding the People Power Party’s criticism that the special prosecutor’s raids on lawmakers Yoon Sanghyun and Lim Jongdeuk constitute political retaliation, Woo said, "This is not something coordinated with the presidential office; the special prosecutor is conducting the investigation independently, and there is no way for us to intervene. It is difficult for us if this is described as political retaliation."
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